5 Ways To Add Navigation to Your Older Car

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Article QuickTakes:

• Stick-on car phone mount
• Portable GPS unit
• Update your existing infotainment system
• Install a new factory head unit
• Aftermarket head unit

If you're tired of paper maps but in love with your older car, you're in luck. There are several ways to add navigation features to your vehicle without trading up for a newer model.

Here's a look at five ways to add navigation to an older vehicle.

Stick-On Car Phone Mount

The easiest way to use navigation inside a car is to purchase a smartphone mount, stick it on the windshield, air vent, or cupholder, and download a navigation app to your device. With no need to wire any connections or purchase additional hardware, it's also the cheapest method; most people already have a smartphone capable of navigation.

While this simple solution may work for many, it does have its drawbacks. Most significantly, the home screens on Apple iPhone and Google Android devices use small icons for apps, which may be challenging to use while driving.

Drivers should check your local and state and laws regarding what form of cell phone usage is allowed while driving.

Portable GPS Unit

A portable GPS navigation system consists of a screen and a mount that can attach inside your vehicle, typically running off 12-volt or USB power. Voice commands and instructions are also usually offered by these systems, which companies such as Garmin and TomTom manufacture.

These units allow you to preserve your cellphone's battery life out on the road and don't require a constant internet connection to use their primary features, saving you money on data rates.

Update Your Existing Infotainment System

Some vehicles offer the ability to add navigation to their current infotainment systems. In some cases, the factory head unit already supports navigation but hasn't been activated. For example, vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado can add navigation by installing a hardware module that plugs into the existing infotainment setup.

You can access navigation through the Scout GPS Link app on some Toyota vehicles with the Entune infotainment system. Scout relies on a smartphone's GPS capabilities to project navigation information on the automobile's screen. There are also third parties that sell complete head-unit upgrades that include navigation for older vehicles.

Install a New Factory Head Unit

If your car has only a basic infotainment system, for example, without a screen, introducing navigation into the picture might take more than a simple software update or module installation. In many cases, it's possible to install a factory head unit from a higher trim level vehicle to access this feature. However, it might require additional vehicle modifications to mount correctly and connect to the vehicle's systems.

Aftermarket Head Unit

An aftermarket head unit with navigation is an excellent choice for vehicles that never came with a nav option. These systems have a touchscreen that displays mapping information and are available for double-DIN slots with text-only screens or limited video displays.

You can also fit a head unit with a screen that slides out and pops up in front of the dash in a single-DIN slot if there's available space in your older car. Aftermarket units could require the installation of an external GPS antenna if it is not bundled with the unit itself or already installed on your vehicle.

Many aftermarket head units include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, further enhancing the system's function.